Needed: More Protein in Diet

I have recently started working out at a local gym. My goal is to tone my body(i.e. build more muscle). I am curious about ways that I can incorporate more protein into my diet, as protein is essential in building muscle tissue. I have tired protein bars, but most of the ones that I have tried taste horrible. I am now considering protein shakes. Does anyone have any experience with protein shakes? Do you know which are the best tasting/have the most protein...and are the least expensive ;-)?

Thank you, in advance, for your advice. By the way, I am a 24-year-old female.

There are many protein powders out there, you just need to choose one. Protein is incredibly essential in your diet when starting a new fitness program. I guarentee you aren't getting enough protein in just your diet alone, you *MUST* have a protein supplement. These protein powders will also help in muscle recovery if you are really physically active.

Here's a list of many different kinds you can get and their different price ranges. Note - These are all 100% Whey Protein shakes.

RE: Optimum Whey... I like all three flavors, Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry. The Strawberry seems to mix easiest but the others help give variety. When I get that craving for something sweet, a protein shake does the trick. Also, I love Reeses cups and by mixing just a little (it doesn't take much) peanut butter in with the chocolate I get that great flavor. Just add one scoop of the Whey with 1/2 cup of 1% milk and 1/2 cup (actually, 1/2 of whatever size container you drink from) of ice. About 1/3 tsp of peanut butter and a squirt of honey. Delicious!!!!!

Shane,
I stopped by a store and, interestingly, I ended up buying the one that you have recommended: ON 100% Whey Protein. I bought it from Vitamin Shoppe (brick and mortar store), so I may have paid a little more than if I had purchased it online. Fortunately, there was a sale going on when I went in, so it was a little less than it might have been. Actually, I think it was decently priced, but I might go online in the future.

I have made about four shakes from it so far, and it tastes good (with a few modifcations ). I hope that it will help me to tone up my body. I seem to making good progress at the gym so far...